Historic New York Philharmonic concert in Pyongyang, North Korea

03/05/08 12:12PM

On Tuesday, Feb. 26th, 2008, the New York Philharmonic made history when
it performed a concert in Pyongyang, North Korea. The Philharmonic's
arrival marked the biggest visit to the country by a U.S. group since
the 1950-53 Korean War.

During the three-day visit, North Korea opened its normally tightly shut
doors to scores of foreign journalists, allowing them Internet access
and international phone lines - unheard of in a country that imprisons
people for unauthorized contact with the outside world.

Analysts said North Korea saw the arrival of the orchestra as a
diplomatic coup.

The U.S. and North Korea have no diplomatic ties, are technically still
at war and have troops staring at each other across the heavily
fortified border that has divided North and South Korea for more than
half a century.

"This is first time I have seen the American flag in North Korea," said
one of the local guides assigned to assist the NY Phil. during their visit.

More than 2,000 North Koreans attended the invitation-only concert.

This historic concert will be broadcast on VPR Classical on Wednesday
evening, March 5th, at 8 - we'll go "In Concert" with the New York
Philharmonic in Pyongyang, North Korea.